In late 2015, Pope Francis stirred considerable discussion within the Catholic community by granting priests the authority to forgive the sin of abortion for a designated "Year of Mercy." This initiative was part of his broader mission to promote compassion and forgiveness within the Church.
On November 21, 2016, he took this a step further by issuing an Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et misera (‘Mercy and Misery’), which extended this power indefinitely. It is crucial to note that while the Church’s official position on abortion remains unchanged—describing it as a "grave sin"—the Pope emphasised the boundless nature of divine mercy for those who genuinely repent.
The letter underlined a significant aspect of Francis’s papacy: a commitment to ensure that the Church’s doors are always open to those seeking forgiveness. He affirmed, “there is no sin that God’s mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father.”
A few days after the release of his letter, Pope Francis was seen exchanging biretta cups with a supporter during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, illustrating his ongoing connection with the faithful. This gesture symbolises the welcoming and inclusive spirit that characterises his leadership and reflects his enduring message of mercy.